King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:1 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:1 in the King James Version says “Against Moab thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Against Moab thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded and taken: Misgab is confounded and dismayed. Misgab: or, the high place

Jeremiah 48:1 · KJV


Context

1

Against Moab thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded and taken: Misgab is confounded and dismayed. Misgab: or, the high place

2

There shall be no more praise of Moab: in Heshbon they have devised evil against it; come, and let us cut it off from being a nation. Also thou shalt be cut down, O Madmen; the sword shall pursue thee. be cut: or, be brought to silence pursue: Heb. go after thee

3

A voice of crying shall be from Horonaim, spoiling and great destruction.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Against Moab (אֶל־מוֹאָב)—this oracle targets Israel's eastern neighbor, descendants of Lot's incestuous relationship (Genesis 19:37). The threefold judgment on Nebo, Kiriathaim, and Misgab demonstrates Yahweh's sovereignty over pagan high places. Nebo (נְבוֹ), ironically named after a Babylonian deity, is spoiled (שֻׁדָּדָה shudadah)—utterly devastated. The verb for confounded (הֹבִישָׁה hovisha) means shamed or put to shame, while dismayed (חַתָּה chattah) expresses terror-struck paralysis.

These fortified cities represented Moab's military confidence and religious pride. Their collapse reveals that no fortress, no deity, no human stronghold can withstand the LORD of hosts (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת)—the Commander of heaven's armies. This divine title emphasizes absolute power over all earthly powers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah prophesied this oracle around 605-586 BC, likely fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces swept through Transjordan. Moab had maintained independence and prosperity through strategic alliances, making their judgment particularly shocking. These cities were key defensive positions in Moab's highland plateau.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern 'fortresses' (wealth, status, nation, ideology) do people trust instead of the LORD of hosts?
  2. How does God's judgment on pagan high places challenge cultural compromises in contemporary faith?
  3. What does the confounding of Moab's confidence teach about human self-sufficiency?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
לְמוֹאָ֡ב1 of 18

Against Moab

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

כֹּֽה2 of 18
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֩3 of 18

thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֨ה4 of 18

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֜וֹת5 of 18

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אֱלֹהֵ֣י6 of 18

the God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל7 of 18

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

ה֤וֹי8 of 18

Woe

H1945

oh!

אֶל9 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נְבוֹ֙10 of 18

unto Nebo

H5015

nebo, the name of a babylonian deity

כִּ֣י11 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שֻׁדָּ֔דָה12 of 18

for it is spoiled

H7703

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

הֹבִ֥ישָׁה13 of 18

is confounded

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

נִלְכְּדָ֖ה14 of 18

and taken

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

קִרְיָתָ֑יִם15 of 18

Kiriathaim

H7156

kirjathaim, the name of two placed in palestine

הֹבִ֥ישָׁה16 of 18

is confounded

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

הַמִּשְׂגָּ֖ב17 of 18

Misgab

H4869

misgab, a place in moab

וָחָֽתָּה׃18 of 18

and dismayed

H2865

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 48:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 48:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study